Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Homeowner assistance program assists Iowa National Guard couple
By Valerie Brayton
The Daily Iowan (U. Iowa)
06/27/2006

(U-WIRE) IOWA CITY, Iowa — Aside from Father's Day and the start of summer, June also ushers in National Home Ownership Month. Through assistance provided in part by the Iowa National Guard, Sgt. Paul Kilgore, 26, and Spec. Jessica Kilgore, 23, were able to take part in this month-long event for the first time.

Thanks to the Military Service Member Home Ownership Assistance Program, administered by the Iowa National Guard and the Iowa Finance Authority, the Kilgores have joined the 450 service members since March 2005 who have been provided assistance through matching grants of up to $5,000 to purchase a home in Iowa.

Signed into law by Gov. Tom Vilsack in March 2005, Iowa's program represents the only such one in the country.

Col. Vince Reefer of the Guard said there has been a tremendous response since the measure became law. By July 2005, the $1 million allotted to the program had been used, which prompted legislators to add another $1 million to the bill in January.

The law has positively affected Iowa's economy, Reefer said, adding that sales, development, electricity, and taxes represent just a few of the forms of revenue generated.

"It is an economic stimulus and a great benefit to veterans," he said. He added that the program, along with a change to the educational benefits offered, has helped reverse the trend of losing Iowans who enlist in the National Guard in bordering Illinois and Minnesota. Vilsack was in attendance Monday as Jessica Kilgore got to see her new home in Coralville, Iowa, for the first time. The governor said he was impressed with the sacrifices the Kilgores have made for the United States since their marriage on Sept. 12, 2003. Because of military obligations, Jessica Kilgore's two-week break from her yearlong commitment in Iraq marks only the third instance the couple has spent time together since their marriage.

The Kilgores said they decided to buy their home after Paul Kilgore came to Iowa on a pass from Washington. After sending his wife pictures of it via e-mail, the couple felt it was the "best fit."

Jessica Kilgore said not paying rent was a nice change.

"It's good to come home and have a place to stay instead of going to a hotel" while on leave, she said.

The Kilgores also appeared grateful for Vilsack's recognition of their service.

"It was obvious that Gov. Vilsack cared a lot about it," Jessica Kilgore said. "He made his speech without any notes and just said what he thought."

Presenting the Kilgores with a flag that was flown at the Iowa Capitol, Vilsack applauded them on their service to their state and their country.

The Kilgores, who returned to Iowa to be close to family and to the educational atmosphere in the local area, appear to be looking forward. Both University of Iowa students, Paul Kilgore is majoring in political science and history, while Jessica Kilgore is pursuing a civil-engineering degree. Fans of the Hawkeyes and playing" Mario Kart," the couple had nothing but good things to say about the state.

"Iowa is really great to the Guard," Jessica Kilgore said. "It's nice to be appreciated and get something back."

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